simian means of or pertaining to apes and monkeys. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 81 out of 100.
simian is pronounced /ˈsɪm.i.ən/.
Why “simian” is a great word
SIMIAN — [Adjective/Noun] Adjective: Of, relating to, or resembling monkeys or apes. Noun: A monkey or ape, especially an anthropoid. From Latin sīmia ("ape, monkey"), from Ancient Greek σιμός (simós, "snub-nosed"). First attested in English c. 1600. Unlike "anthropoid," which denotes the human-like great apes and gibbons in precise taxonomy, or "apish," which mocks a clumsy imitation of human behavior, "simian" is the broader, more clinical term for biological kinship and physical semblance. It is the prehensile grip of a hand in shadow, the slow blink of deep-set amber eyes, and the sudden, unnerving grace of an arm swinging through dense canopy—a mirror held up at a slight, but profound, evolutionary angle.
Etymology
From Latin sīmia (“ape, monkey”), from Ancient Greek σιμός (simós, “snub-nosed”).
adj
- Of or pertaining to apes and monkeys.
- Bearing resemblance to an ape or monkey; apelike or monkeylike.“In “Benguelê” (which refers to slaves’ nostalgic longing for Africa) he makes extensive use of crouching, stooped bodies in a simian, loping walk, arms hanging loosely and head down to suggest tribal dances, rituals, animals, a precivilization.”
noun
- An ape or monkey, especially an anthropoid (infraorder Simiiformes).“The simians would require no special orientation courses to teach them the reasons for fighting, such as, “To make the world safe for Demagocracy,” or whatnot.”